'Very Like A Whale' by Ogden Nash
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
One thing that literature would be greatly the better for
Would be a more restricted employment by authors of simile and metaphor.
Authors of all races, be they Greeks, Romans, Teutons or Celts,
Can'ts seem just to say that anything is the thing it is but have
to go out
of their way to say that it is like something else.
What foes it mean when we are told
That the Assyrian came down like a wolf on the fold?
In the first place, George Gordon Byron had had enough experience
To know that it probably wasn't just one Assyrian, it was a lot
of Assyrians.
However, as too many arguments are apt to induce apoplexy and thus
hinder longevity,
We'll let it pass as one Assyrian for the sake of brevity.
Now then, this particular Assyrian, the one whose cohorts were gleaming
in purple and gold,
Just what does the poet mean when he says he came down like a wolf
on
the fold?
In heaven and earth more than is dreamed of in our philosophy there
are
a great many things,
But i don't imagine that among then there is a wolf with purple
and gold
cohorts or purple and gold anythings.
No, no, Lord Byron, before I'll believe that this Assyrian was actually
like a wolf I must have some kind of proof;
Did he run on all fours and did he have a hairy tail and a big red
mouth and
big white teeth and did he say Woof woof?
Frankly I think it very unlikely, and all you were entitled to say,
at the
very most,
Was that the Assyrian cohorts came down like a lot of Assyrian cohorts
about to destroy the Hebrew host.
But that wasn't fancy enough for Lord Byron, oh dear me no, he had
to
invent a lot of figures of speech and then interpolate
them,
With the result that whenever you mention Old Testament soldiers
to
people they say Oh yes, they're the ones that a lot
of wolves dressed
up in gold and purple ate them.
That's the kind of thing that's being done all the time by poets,
from Homer
to Tennyson;
They're always comparing ladies to lilies and veal to venison,
And they always say things like that the snow is a white blanket
after a
winter storm.
Oh it is, is it, all right then, you sleep under a six-inch blanket
of snow and
I'll sleep under a half-inch blanket of unpoetical
blanket material and
we'll see which one keeps warm,
And after that maybe you'll begin to comprehend dimly,
What I mean by too much metaphor and simile.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Very Like a Whale: A Critical Analysis
Oh, the wonders of poetry! The way words can be woven together to create a beautiful tapestry of meaning, leaving the reader awe-struck and amazed. And when it comes to Ogden Nash’s “Very Like a Whale,” the effect is nothing short of enchanting.
In this 14-line masterpiece, Nash explores the human condition and our tendency to see ourselves in everything around us, even in creatures as different as whales. But there’s much more to this poem than meets the eye. Let’s dive in and explore the many layers of meaning that lie beneath the surface.
The Title: A Play on Words
“Very Like a Whale” is a title that deserves special attention. At first glance, it seems like a simple description of a whale. But when we consider the context in which it is used (as the title of a poem), we realize that there is more to it than meets the eye.
The phrase “very like” is an archaic expression that means “very much like” or “almost exactly like”. In other words, it’s a way of saying that something is similar to something else, but not quite the same. By using this phrase to describe a whale, Nash is suggesting that there is something about whales that is similar to humans, but not quite the same.
But why choose a whale as the subject of the poem? Why not a dog or a bird or a tree? The answer lies in the symbolism of the whale.
The Whale: A Symbol of the Human Condition
Whales are creatures that have fascinated humans for thousands of years. They are massive, majestic, and mysterious, and their presence in the ocean has inspired countless myths, legends, and stories.
But beyond their physical characteristics, whales also have a symbolic significance. In many cultures, they are seen as symbols of wisdom, power, and mystery. They are creatures that exist in a realm beyond our own, and their presence reminds us of the vastness and complexity of the universe.
In “Very Like a Whale,” Nash uses the whale as a symbol of the human condition. He suggests that, like whales, humans are creatures that exist in a realm beyond our own understanding. We are complex, mysterious, and powerful, and our presence in the world is a reminder of the vastness and complexity of the universe.
The Structure: A Perfect Balance of Form and Meaning
One of the most remarkable things about “Very Like a Whale” is the way it is structured. The poem is made up of three quatrains (four-line stanzas), and each line has a similar rhythm and rhyme scheme.
But beyond the formal structure of the poem, there is a deeper meaning behind its organization. The three quatrains represent three different perspectives on the relationship between humans and whales.
In the first quatrain, Nash describes a whale as something that is “unintelligible” and “monstrous”. This represents the perspective of someone who sees whales as something foreign and incomprehensible. They are creatures that exist beyond our understanding, and their presence in the world is a source of confusion and fear.
In the second quatrain, Nash describes a whale as something that is “majestic” and “impressive”. This represents the perspective of someone who sees whales as something to be admired and respected. They are creatures that inspire awe and wonder, and their presence in the world is a source of beauty and inspiration.
In the third quatrain, Nash describes a whale as something that is “like us”. This represents the perspective of someone who sees whales as something that is similar to humans in some way. They are creatures that share certain characteristics with us, and their presence in the world is a reminder of our own complexity and mystery.
The Language: A Playful and Poetic Exploration of Meaning
Of course, what really makes “Very Like a Whale” such a remarkable poem is the language itself. Nash’s use of language is playful and poetic, and he uses a variety of literary techniques to explore the many layers of meaning in the poem.
One of the most striking things about the language in “Very Like a Whale” is the use of paradox. Nash describes a whale as “unintelligible,” but also as “like us”. He describes a whale as “monstrous,” but also as “majestic”. These contradictions create a sense of ambiguity and uncertainty, which adds to the overall effect of the poem.
Another technique that Nash uses to great effect is repetition. The repeated phrase “very like a whale” creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, and it also emphasizes the central theme of the poem: the idea that humans and whales are connected in some way, but also fundamentally different.
Conclusion: A Poem That Leaves Us in Awe
All in all, “Very Like a Whale” is a remarkable poem that explores the many layers of meaning in the relationship between humans and whales. It is a poem that is both playful and profound, and it leaves us in awe of the power of language to create meaning and beauty.
Whether we see whales as unintelligible monsters or majestic creatures, the poem reminds us of the complexity and mystery of the world we live in. And in doing so, it challenges us to embrace the ambiguity and uncertainty of life, and to see the world with fresh eyes.
So the next time you see a whale (or any other creature, for that matter), remember Nash’s words: “very like a whale”. And let yourself be reminded of the vastness and complexity of the universe, and of the ways in which we are all connected.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Very Like A Whale: A Masterpiece of Satirical Poetry
Ogden Nash, the renowned American poet, is known for his witty and humorous poems that often poke fun at human nature and society. One of his most famous works, "Very Like A Whale," is a satirical take on the human tendency to see things in a way that suits their own beliefs and prejudices. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem and explore how Nash uses language and imagery to convey his message.
The poem begins with the line "One thing that literature would be greatly the better for," which immediately sets the tone for what is to come. Nash is suggesting that there is something lacking in literature, and he is about to reveal what that is. He goes on to say that literature would be better if writers were more honest and straightforward in their descriptions of things. He uses the example of a whale to illustrate his point.
Nash starts by describing the physical characteristics of a whale, such as its size and shape. He then goes on to say that people often see things in a way that suits their own beliefs, and that this is especially true when it comes to the interpretation of literature. He uses the example of a whale to show how people can see things in different ways depending on their own biases.
The poem then takes a satirical turn as Nash describes how people have seen a whale in different ways throughout history. He mentions how some people have seen a whale as a symbol of power and majesty, while others have seen it as a monster to be feared. He even suggests that some people have seen a whale as a metaphor for God.
Nash's use of language and imagery in this section of the poem is particularly effective. He uses words like "majestic" and "terrifying" to describe the different ways in which people have seen a whale, and he uses metaphors like "the leviathan of the deep" to create a vivid image in the reader's mind. By doing so, he highlights the absurdity of people's interpretations of things and shows how easily they can be swayed by their own biases.
The poem then takes a more serious turn as Nash discusses the importance of honesty in literature. He suggests that writers should strive to be more honest in their descriptions of things, even if it means going against popular beliefs or opinions. He uses the example of a whale to show how this can be done.
Nash suggests that if writers were more honest in their descriptions of a whale, they would describe it as "a creature who is neither fish nor fowl." By doing so, they would be acknowledging the unique qualities of a whale and not trying to fit it into a preconceived notion of what it should be. This, in turn, would lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of the whale.
The poem ends with the line "Oh, if only instead of just image of fish or fowl, writers would give us the image of the whale." This line sums up the message of the poem perfectly. Nash is suggesting that writers should strive to be more honest and truthful in their descriptions of things, even if it means going against popular beliefs or opinions. By doing so, they can create a greater understanding and appreciation of the world around us.
In conclusion, "Very Like A Whale" is a masterpiece of satirical poetry that highlights the absurdity of human nature and society. Nash uses language and imagery to convey his message and shows how easily people can be swayed by their own biases. He suggests that writers should strive to be more honest and truthful in their descriptions of things, even if it means going against popular beliefs or opinions. This, in turn, will lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of the world around us.
Editor Recommended Sites
New Friends App: A social network for finding new friendsNetwork Simulation: Digital twin and cloud HPC computing to optimize for sales, performance, or a reduction in cost
No IAP Apps: Apple and Google Play Apps that are high rated and have no IAP
Analysis and Explanation of famous writings: Editorial explanation of famous writings. Prose Summary Explanation and Meaning & Analysis Explanation
Entity Resolution: Record linkage and customer resolution centralization for customer data records. Techniques, best practice and latest literature
Recommended Similar Analysis
Problems by Langston Hughes analysisEach And All by Ralph Waldo Emerson analysis
I took my Power in my Hand by Emily Dickinson analysis
Damaetas by George Gordon, Lord Byron analysis
She dealt her pretty words like Blades by Emily Dickinson analysis
Pelleas And Ettarre by Alfred, Lord Tennyson analysis
Love Is Not All by Edna St. Vincent Millay analysis
Crazy Jane Talks With The Bishop by William Butler Yeats analysis
Anorexic by Eavan Boland analysis
Helen by H.D. analysis